The design is based on studies of handset user interaction during typical job-related activities. For example, office staff requires an easy-to-carry handset which could be quickly switched to silent mode and would will distinguish between external and internal calls by ring tone. Nurses asked for an easy-to-operate messaging interface and the ability to easily change personal preferences. The result is a user interface that is intuitive, utilising a large colour display with icons as well as text, and creating an experience similar to using a mobile phone.
A menu that is straightforward to customise adds to the ease of navigation. “The interaction is very ergonomic and the colour display works very well. The architecture of the interface is logical and I see great opportunities in implementing customer specific functionalities and menus in the handset,” said Amir H. Fariani, product manager, Voxtream, after field testing the Kirk 5020.
The Kirk designers created a phone targeted at administrative working environments. “The Kirk 5020 is a giant step forward in design for us and has a more feminine look and feel in comparison to the more ruggedised handset as represented by the Kirk 40XX series, which is made to be used in diverse conditions, including harsh industrial environments,” said Ole Lysgaard Madsen, managing director, Kirk telecom. The Kirk 5020 weighs only 110g, contains a lithium-ion battery with an extra long battery life of 20 hours speaking time and 200 hours standby time, which will cover several shifts.
“This look and feel it is suitable for those in an office environment where staff may be away from their desk for more than 30% of the day,” ends Ole Lysgaard Madsen.
Additional features of the Kirk 5020 include a navigation wheel and soft keys, headset and loudspeaker, vibrating alert, and an optional USB interface on the charger for administrative tools. In addition to containing 250 entries in the phone book and 40 call list entries, it is capable of storing 72-character text messages and integrates with business applications.